ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Flag off ceremony of final production batch of LRSAM Missiles
Final production batch of Long Range Surface to Air Missiles , designed and developed by DRDO in collaboration with various industry partnersand integrated by BDL, was flagged off on 14 Feb 2021 at DRDL,APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad in the presence of Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, DDR&D and Chairman DRDO and Rear Admiral V Rajasekhar, VSM Director, Defence Machine Design Establishment .
LRSAM is jointly developed by DRDO and IAI Israel to equip latest ships of Indian Navy. This LRSAM Missile system can provide point and area defence against various aerial targets including fighter aircraft, subsonic & supersonic cruise missiles. The Missile is powered by indigenously developed dual-pulse rocket motor and dual control system to impart required manoeuvrability at the terminal phase. This state of art weapon system is designed with active Radio Frequency  seeker to identify, track, engage and destroy the target with high kill probability.
LRSAM system end to end performance has been successfully demonstrated through number of user flight trials from Indian Naval ships. This weapon system has been successfully productionised and has been delivered to Indian Navy.
Secretary, DDR&D highlighted the importance of indigenous production efforts and complemented the industries that have established the manufacturing facilities and successfully executed the production orders in achieving the goal towards 'Make in India'. He also commended the efforts of Missile System Quality Assurance Agency , DG  in streamlining the production activities at various industries across India, leading to delivery of missiles with aerospace quality standards.
Rear Admiral V Rajasekhar, VSM of Indian Navy appreciated the efforts of DRDO for successfully completing the production order and strengthening air defence capability of Indian Navy. He also urged DRDO to design and develop similar advanced weapon systems meeting futuristic warfare.
ABB/Nampi/Rajib
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Ministry of External Affairs
Kurdish - Slemani Governor from Iraq meets Governor Koshyari
There is a need to prepare a blueprint for further strengthening relations between Iraq and India: Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari
Mumbai : 20 April, 2022
The Governor of Slemani Province of Kurdistan Region of Iraq Dr Haval Abubaker met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhavan Mumbai today, 20th April. The visit of the Slemani Governor to India was organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations  as part of its Distinguished Visitors' Programme.
Dr Haval Abubaker thanked India for organizing his visit to India during the year when India is celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of its Independence. He recalled the historic and civilisational relationship between Iraq and India and said it will be his endeavour to promote bilateral, cultural and trade relations between the two countries. He said people of Slemani province understand Indian languages. He added that the grammar of Kurdish language was influenced by Panini.
Welcoming the Kurdish Slemani Governor to Maharashtra, Governor Koshyari expressed the need to prepare a blueprint for further strengthening the relations between Iraq and India.
Consul General of Iraq in Mumbai Dr Ghazi Al-Topy and Regional Director of ICCR Renu Prithiani were present.
DL/PM
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Vice President's Secretariat
Vice-President hoists the national flag at the Gaja Dwar of the New Parliament Building
VP describes it as a "historic moment & a milestone development"
Bharat is witnessing epochal change - Vice-President
"The world is in total recognition of might, power and contribution of Bharat" - Vice President
Heralding a new beginning, from one glorious legacy to a new chapter in Bharat’s Amrit Kaal, the Vice-President & Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar hoisted the national flag at the Gaja Dwar of the New Parliament Building today. Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla also graced the occasion.
Describing it as a "historic moment & a milestone development," the Vice-President said that Bharat is witnessing epochal change and the world is in total recognition of might, power and contribution of Bharat.
"We are living in times where we are witnessing development & achievements which we never dreamt of. Our ground reality today is being reflected globally in the most affirmative manner," he added while speaking to media.
Union ministers, Members of Parliament across the political spectrum, Secretary Generals of Rajya Sabha & Lok Sabha were also present to witness this historic moment.
Ministry of Defence
Establishment of Defence Corridors at Tamil Nadu
In pursuance to the Union Budget announcement , it has been decided to set up two Defence Industrial Corridors in the Country, one in Uttar Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, five nodes for Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirapalli have been identified. Investments of approximately Rs. 3100 crore were announced by Ordnance Factory Board /Defence Public Sector Undertaking  & Private Industries in Tamil Nadu Corridor.
Till date, six consultation meetings of stakeholders in Tamil Nadu were organized across its various nodes. Further, Government has also appointed a consultant for the preparation of Detailed Project Report for these two Defence Corridors.
Setting up of Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor would catalyse indigenous production of defence and aerospace related items, thereby reducing our reliance on imports and promoting export of these items to other countries. This will lead to generation of direct & indirect employment opportunities and growth of private domestic manufacturers including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  and start-ups.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri P. Wilson in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/SS/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy/ADA
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
73.46 LMT free of cost foodgrains distributed under PMGKAY III during May - June 2021
he Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha to ameliorate the hardships faced by poor and vulnerable section of society due to economic disruption caused by Corona pandemic, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana  has been extended upto 30th November, 2021.
Under the scheme, foodgrains have been allocated to all the States/UTs for free of cost distribution to all the beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act  [Antodaya Anna Yojna  & Priority Households ] including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer . The number of identified beneficiaries under the scheme is around 80 Crore, however it varies depending on the identification of beneficiaries done by States/UTs from time to time.
NFSA is implemented under the joint responsibility of the Centre and States/UTs. While the Centre is responsible for allocation of required foodgrains to States/UTs, transportation of foodgrains up to designated depots in each State/UT and providing central assistance to States/UTs for delivery of foodgrains from designated Food Corporation of India  godowns to the doorstep of the FPSs, the States/UTs are responsible for effective implementation of the Act, which inter-alia includes identification of eligible beneficiaries, issuing ration cards to them, distribution of foodgrain entitlements to eligible beneficiaries through fair price shops , setting up effective grievance redressal mechanism and necessary strengthening of Targeted Public Distribution System . During 2020  Out of total allocation of 322 LMT foodgrains under PMGKAY-2020 , approx 298.8 LMT foodgrains  have been distributed by States/UTs.
During 2021  so far, out of a total allocation of around 75.51 LMT foodgrains  approx 73.46 LMT  foodgrains have been distributed by States/UTs.
Ministry of Finance
Tax Incentive for Promoting Post-Harvest Activities of Agriculture
In order to encourage professionalism in post-harvest value addition in agriculture, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley proposed to allow hundred per cent deduction to companies registered as Farmer Producer Companies and having annual turnover up to Rs.100 crores in respect of their profit derived from such activities for a period of five years from financial year 2018-19. This was announced by the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley while presenting the General Budget 2018-19 in Parliament here today.
The Finance Minister mentioned that at present, hundred per cent deduction is allowed in respect of profit of co-operative societies which provide assistance to its members engaged in primary agricultural activities. Over the last few years, a number of Farmer Producer Companies have been set-up along the lines of co-operative societies which also provide similar assistance to their members. Thus, Shri Jaitley said, such tax incentive will encourage “Operation Greens” mission announced earlier and it will give a boost to Sampada Yojana.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM felicitates medal winners of 2018 Asian Para Games
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today met and felicitated the medal winners of the 2018 Asian Para Games.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister expressed happiness at receiving the medal winners. Appreciating their performance, he remarked that their mental strength was a key factor in their success. The Prime Minister complimented them for contributing to raising India's profile on the global stage.
The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for the coaches of the medal winners.
He urged the athletes to keep up their spirit of optimism, and persevere to achieve even greater heights.
UPSC
Recruitment Results finalised by UPSC in November 2020
The following Recruitment Results have been finalized by the Union Public Service Commission during the month of November, 2020. The recommended candidates have been informed individually by post.
Click here for full list
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles passing away of IFFCO Chairman Sardar Balvinder Singh Nakai Ji
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing away of Chairman IFFCO, Sardar Balvinder Singh Nakai Ji.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Sardar Balvinder Singh Nakai Ji was a doyen of the agriculture and cooperatives sector. He made pioneering contributions towards empowering farmers. His passing away is saddening. Condolences to his family and well-wishers. May his soul rest in peace."
Ministry of Railways
Railway Committee addresses the concerns of candidates for Non Technical Popular Categories
20 times unique candidates will be shortlisted with Pay Level wise for 2nd Stage Computer Based Test  for Non Technical Popular Categories 
Revised results of all Pay Levels to be declared by the first week of April, 2022
For RRC-01/2019 , a single stage exam to be conducted
Ministry of Railways in terms of Order No. ERB-I/2022/23/06 dated 26.01.2022 has constituted a Committee to examine the concerns of candidates of CEN 01/2019  and CEN RRC-01/2019 . It has now been decided as follows:
● 20 times unique candidates will be shortlisted with Pay Level wise for 2nd Stage Computer Based Test  for CEN 01/2019 .
● The candidates already announced qualified will continue to remain qualified.
● The list of additional candidates getting shortlisted will be notified at each Pay Level.
● RRB wise 2nd Stage CBT for each Pay Level with all candidates of one RRB accommodated in a single shift which should eliminate normalization. Wherever single shift is not possible because of capacity constraints or otherwise, percentile based normalization will be done.
● CEN RRC-01/2019  will be a single stage exam. There will be no second stage CBT.
● RRC wise CBT will be held for Level-1. Also maximum available capacity is recommended to be used, to significantly reduce the number of shifts involved for each RRC and to speed up the examination process.
● Percentile based normalization, which is simple and easy to understand, will be used wherever the number of shifts involved are more than one.
● Medical standards as prescribed in Indian Railway Medical Manual  will be used for different posts of Level-1.
● Any available Income and Asset Certificate for candidates, who have applied under Economically Weaker Sections , will be considered as Valid.
SCHEDULE  OF CEN 01/2019  and CEN RRC-01/2019 
● Revised results of all Pay Levels to be declared by the first week of April, 2022.
● 2nd stage CBT for Pay Level 6 to be held in May, 2022.
● 2nd Stage CBT for other Pay Levels to be conducted after giving a reasonable gap.
● It has been decided to follow revised methodology with special conditions for conduct of CBT for Level-1 due to elimination of 2nd stage CBT etc.
● This will involve mobilising of additional infrastructure and logistics to conduct CBT for Level-1 with significant increase in per shift requirement. Efforts will be made to have the exam conducting agency  on board to conduct the CBT for Level-1 as early as possible.
● Hence, CBT for Level-1 is planned to be held tentatively from July 2022 onwards.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Implementation of Zero Budget Natural Farming
Government is promoting Natural Farming through Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati  introduced during 2020-21 as a sub scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana  for the promotion of traditional indigenous practices including Natural Farming. The scheme mainly emphasises on exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs and promotes on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of cow dung-urine formulations and other plant-based preparations.
The agricultural cost of Natural Farming  is reduced due to exclusion of all synthetic chemical input and its only dependence on the “on-farm bio mass recycling”. Evidences from its implementation from various parts of the country indicate that it helps in lowering the cost.
Under BPKP, financial assistance of Rs 12200/ha for 3 years is provided for cluster formation, capacity building and continuous handholding by trained personnel, certification and residue analysis. Until now, under natural farming an area of 4.09 lakh ha area has been covered and a total fund of Rs. 4980.99 lakh has been released to 8 States while an area of 5.68 lakh ha have also been approved for 3 States namely Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh. The Government of Andhra Pradesh is leading in terms of 1.0 lakh ha area under natural farming under BPKP. The State–wise details of funds released and area under BPKP is given at below.
Annexure- I
The State –wise details of funds released and area covered under Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhthi 
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
States
|
|
Area in Ha
|
|
Amount released 
|
|
1.
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
100000
|
|
750.00
|
|
2.
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
85000
|
|
1352.52
|
|
3.
|
|
Kerala
|
|
84000
|
|
1336.60
|
|
4.
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
12000
|
|
286.42
|
|
5
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
3400
|
|
54.10
|
|
6.
|
|
Odisha
|
|
24000
|
|
381.89
|
|
7.
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
99000
|
|
787.64
|
|
8.
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
2000
|
|
31.82
|
|
Total
|
|
409400
|
|
4980.99
During 2021-22 Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh have been approved 1.5 lakh ha, 3.8 lakh ha and 0.38 lakh ha area respectively for natural farming.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to visit Assam and West Bengal on 23rd January
PM to address ‘Parakram Diwas’ celebrations in Kolkata to commemorate 125th birth anniversary year of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
PM to also distribute over one lakh Land Pattas in Sivasagar, Assam
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Kolkata to address the ‘Parakram Diwas’ celebrations on 23rd January, 2021, to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary year of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Prime Minister will also visit Jerenga Pathar in Sivasagar, Assam to distribute 1.06 lakh land pattas/allotment certificates.
PM in West Bengal
On reaching Kolkata the Prime Minister will visit Netaji Bhawan at Elgin Road. The Prime Minister will preside over the inaugural function of the ‘Parakram Diwas’ celebrations at Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. In order to honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation, Government of India has decided to celebrate his birthday on 23rd January every year as ‘Parakram Diwas’ to inspire people of the country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as Netaji did, and to infuse in them a spirit of patriotic fervour.
A permanent exhibition and a Projection Mapping Show on Netaji will be inaugurated on the occasion. A commemorative coin and postage stamp will also be released by the Prime Minister. A cultural programme "Amra Nuton Jouboneri Doot", based on the theme of Netaji, will also be held.
Before this event, Prime Minister will visit the National Library, Kolkata, where an International Conference “Re-visiting the legacy of Netaji Subhas in the 21st century” and an Artists' Camp are being organized. Prime Minister will interact with the artists and conference participants.
PM in Assam
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister will distribute 1.06 lakh land pattas/allotment certificates in Sivasagar, Assam. Taking into account an urgent need to protect the land rights of indigenous people of the State, Government of Assam came out with a comprehensive new Land Policy with a renewed emphasis on protecting the land rights of the indigenous people. The issuance of patta/allotment certificates for indigenous people of Assam has been given highest priority in order to instil a sense of security amongst them. Assam had 5.75 lakh landless families in 2016. The present Government has distributed 2.28 lakhs land pattas/allotment certificates since May 2016. The ceremony on 23rd January marks the next step in this process.
Special Service and Features
As part of Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam Sand Shilp Maha Mahotsav organized at Somnath, 34 artisans participated
As part of the Saurashtra Tamil Sangam which was kick-started on 17th April 2023 in the presence of Defence Minister Shri. Rajnath Singh and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Many events have been organized like Beach Sports, handicraft exhibition, light and sound show in the Mahotsav which will last till 30th April.
Similarly, Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy, Department of Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities organized Sand Shilp Maha Mahotsav in Somanath. Speaking about Sand Shilp Maha Mahotsav, Secretary of Gujarat State Lalit Kala Academy Shri TR Desai said that Lalit Kala Academy organizes various activities to provide encouragement to the artists of Gujarat out of which Sand Shilp is one such activity. This activity is very much popular in coastal areas. The Mahotsav has been celebrated earlier in Porbandar's Madhavpur fair, Dwarka and Somnath, he added.
As many as 34 artists participated in this Mahotsav and created excellent works through their creativity which became a center of attraction among tourists. 15 unique sculptures along with sculptures depicting the logo of Saurashtra Tamil Sangam, a Sculpture of Lord Ganesha, G20, Sculpture of Nataraja were the main attractions on display prepared by different artisans.
Shri Abhijit Magdum, a resident of Kolhapur in Maharashtra and serving in the Jamnagar Army Force said, “I have come here today to visit Somnath Mahadev.
Shilp Maha Mahotsav has been organized with context to Saurashtra Tamil Sangam which indeed is a pleasant work. Different sculptures portraying LordShiva, and Lord Ganesha have been prepared which is something unique.”
PIB Headquarters
Department of Posts, India
To mark the Children’s day celebration 2019, Philatelic Bureau, Anna Road, Head Post office, Chennai organized an Elocution Competition for school students. The competition was conducted in two categories viz., Primary school level and High School level. The topic of Elocution competition was ‘Exposure of Stamps on children’.
Seventeen students from three different schools in Chennai city participated in Primary school level; Twenty students from eleven different schools in Chennai city participated in the event in High school level.
In primary school category, 1st Prize was won by Master, Karthik Sivakumar, V Standard of San Academy, Velachery, Chennai, 2nd Prize was won by Ms.P.Harrshini, V Standard of R.B.A.N.C. Nursery & Primary school, Pudupet, Chennai and 3rd Prize was won by Ms.V.Nethra, V Standard of Stella Mary’s Nursery & Primary school, New Washermenpet, Chennai.
In High school category, 1st Prize was won the Ms.Harini Narayanan, VIII Standard of the Hindu Colony Chellammal Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School, Nanganallur, Chennai, 2nd Prize was won by Master. P.Yashwanth, IX Standard of Chennai High School, Vannia Teynampet, Chennai and 3rd Prize was won by Ms.K.L.Harini, IX Standard of KRM Public School, Sembium, Chennai, The certificate of participation was presented to the participants of the competition.
Shri.R.Balachandar, Assistant Director , Regional office, Chennai City Region and Shri. V.Kanagarajan, Chief Postmaster, Anna Road Head Post Office, Chennai presented the prizes and certificates to the students.
Ministry of Defence
COAS Interacts With Record Breaking Whitewater Rafting Team of Army Services CORPS
Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat interacted with AQUA STALLIONS, the white water rafting team of Army Services Corps on 13 Sep 19. The team broke a previously held record of 10 hours and 10 minutes while traversing the Zanskar river in Leh.
The 24 member Rafting Team was flagged off by Lieutenant General YK Joshi, General Officer Commanding 14 Corps on 03 Sep 19 from Leh. The team crossed a number of grade IV rapids, enduring inclement weather and extreme temperature from Padam to Nimmu  on the Zanskar River in Ladakh. The previously held record of 10 hours and 10 minutes was broken, with the team clocking in 7 hours and 51 minutes.
The record estalished by the team was adjudicated by the team of India Book of Records and endorsed in the name of Army Adventure Wing. It is relevant to highlight here that the team was novice and has never participated in any expedition earlier. The team was felicitated by India Book of Records for their achievement at Leh on 08 Sep19.
Col Aman Anand
PRO 
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Ministry of Defence
FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON VISIT TO PHUKET, THAILAND
The ships of First Training Squadron  comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Sudarshini and ICGS Sarathi visited Phuket, Thailand from 25-28 Sep 23 as part of long range training deployment. The ships received a warm welcome from the Royal Thai Navy  amidst fanfare of RTN band. Senior Officer,1TS, Capt Sarvpreet Singh along with Commanding Officers of ships called on Rear Admiral Puchong Rodnikron Chief of Staff, Third Naval Area Command.
A reception was hosted onboard INS Tir for Chief of Staff, Third Naval Area Command along with RTN officers and members of Indian Diaspora. The ships were open for visitors and children of various schools were taken on a guided tour of the ships. The trainees of 1TS visited Naval Academy at Phang Nga Naval Base.
The visit saw personnel from both the Navies engaged in cross training visits, professional interaction, sports fixtures and joint yoga sessions. As part of the Maritime Training Partnership Ex with Royal Thai Naval Ship Klaeng, cross embarkation of trainees, manouvers, approaches for replenishments at sea were conducted. The visit reinforces maritime linkages and consolidates strong bond of friendship between the two Navies.